AGL 2021 Port Stephens Art Competition Catalogue.
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38
Title
Medium
Artist
Dimensions
Jellyfish
Etching
Bev McKinnon-Matthews
50 cm x 35 cm
Artist Statement:
Original aquatint etching.
N F S
39
Title
Medium
Artist
Dimensions
Nelson Bay Baths - 1935
Acrylic
Emma Bowen
35 cm x 35 cm
Artist Statement:
Having grown up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, I have lots of childhood memories of swimming in the local rock pools. When I moved to the bay 10 years ago, I heard stories about the old ‘baths’ that the area once had.
This prompted me to look online for the history of the swimming baths, where I found this old photo of people swimming in the Nelson Bay baths in 1935.
It was of course in black and white which made for a bit of creative imagination to turn it into a more colourful scene.
SOLD
40
Title
Medium
Artist
Big Rocky Track
Acrylic
Kathryn Weight
Artist Statement:
My work focuses on natural beauty that may present itself in many different forms. When I paint my focus may be a spectacular tree or a lovely bunch of flowers, ballet dancers, or a lovely face.
When I make jewellery using various metals and recycled materials beauty may be found in a patina or a fabulous Murano glass bead. My endeavour is to produce work that is modern, happy and peaceful and that evokes a feeling of joy.
By my choice of familiar subject matter, the use of colour and depicting natural forms, I hope people make a connection on one of these levels
Dimensions
35 cm x 35 cm
N F S
41
Title
Medium
Artist
Dimensions
Port Stephens Community Art Gallery
Watercolour
Judith Jones
80 cm x 40 cm
Artist Statement:
The Arts Centre buildings were originally constructed in 1942-43 as a Naval Training Centre named HMAS Assault. In 1945 the Sick Bay was turned into a small hospital ward of about 10 beds.
In 1949 the buildings housed the first arrival of European Migrant workers with the Sick Bay reopened as a hospital and the first baby being born in December 1949. The hospital continued to function until 1981.
The buildings were handed over to the Port Stephens Cultural Centre, subsequently Community Arts Centre in August 1981. A wonderful heritage within tranquil gardens.
N F S
42
Title
Medium
Artist
Angophora Dreaming
Oil on Canvas
Pauline Bothe
Artist Statement:
These beautiful trees have been respected for years in our wetlands, woodlands, and forest; still today we are preserving the beauty that our ancestors once loved.
The trees and woodland provided shelter, food, and medicine for the Worimi people and we too should continue to respect the history of the ancient landscape left to us and listen to the stories of our elders past and present.
These beautiful Angophora trees seem to whisper their own individual stories to me of the land while l paint, they can grow to 15m-25m tall, so they have many things to say.
Dimensions
90 cm x 60 cm
Price
$650
43
Title
Medium
Ancestor Dreaming
Oil on Canvas
Price
$450
Artist
Dimensions
Pauline Bothe
46 cm x 92 cm
Artist Statement:
Tomaree headlands it is rich with cultural knowledge and “stories” of the Worimi People. The stories are told by our elders past and present promoting the history of the Aboriginal people and these stories must continue to be heard, protecting our heritage, and connecting to the land as they did.
I proudly paint beautiful Angophora trees also with their twisted limbs and large expanding trunk base while connecting and listening to the stories that the forest is telling me about their ancestors that lived in this historical area and hope we can continue to enjoy and keep our history alive.
44
Title
Medium
Artist
Dimensions
Gum Leaf
Mosaic
Janet Mackintosh
32 cm x 32 cm
Artist Statement:
Port Stephens has an abundance of precious habitats. You can see the importance of this environment to the community by their efforts in sustainability and conservation. One such effort was for the Koala habitat close to the Mambo Wetlands.
The mosaic gum leaf represents the importance of keeping their already limited habitat, not reducing it. The vibrant colours and variety in materials illustrates the variety of community members that came together for this issue. This piece is formed on a handmade substrate with a mixture of glass, beads, wood, ceramics, shells and stone.
SOLD
45
Title
Medium
Pushing Headland Boundaries
Acrylic
Artist
Dimensions
Therese Smith
91 cm x 61 cm
Artist Statement:
The bold juxtaposition of colours in this painting conveys the complexity of balancing sustainability with competing demands.
Tomaree Head’s natural, cultural and social history has high archaeological and conservation value. Any land use changes to Tomaree Head including Tomaree Lodge, particularly given its place within Tomaree National Park, raises questions about how best to honour this area’s significance as well as provide an amenity for people now and into the future.
SOLD
46
Price
$525
Title
Medium
Artist
Dimensions
Free to Flow
Alcohol Ink on YUPPO
Helen Love
150 cm x 51 cm
Artist Statement:
Jellyfish are a Molluscs and play an important role in the oceanic food chain and ecosystem. They are carnivorous and feed mainly on comb jellies, zooplankton and other jellyfish.
The larger varieties feed on crustaceans and other marine organisms. Jellyfish contain 95% water and come in a broad range of colours, shapes and sizes. Their tentacles catch drifting food and put it in their mouth.
Unfortunately, they also catch drifting plastics and rubbish. They are found in every major ocean but primarily the Pacific and Australia’s coastal waters. They rely on a clean, non-polluted environment.
47
Title
Medium
Artist
Seabreeze
Artist Statement:
Pencil/Watercolour
Michael Verran
The junction of Government Road and Stockton Street is situated in Port Stevens most prominent township of Nelson Bay. This picture, titled SEABREEZE, encapsulates progress at this junction.
Depicting life in the early 1950s to seven decades later - 2021. Please reminisce and enjoy the old and the new at the Seabreeze Hotel.
Dimensions
44.5 cm x 62 cm
SOLD
48
Title
Medium
Artist
..ad infinitum
Mixed Media
Heather Marchioni
Dimensions
60 cm x 60 cm
Price
$390
N F S
49
Title
Medium
Artist
Dimensions
The Diver's Helmet
Concrete/Steel
Rick McDonald
76 cm x 52 cm
Artist Statement:
I have always enjoyed the creative process and for many years worked with clay. While I enjoyed working with clay the challenge of using concrete was something I wanted to experience.
The strength and durability of concrete offered an opportunity to make large sculptural pieces that would endure the elements. The Helmet is a steel frame, concrete, cement and brass, hand sculpted, carved piece completed in 2020.
Living in the bay has been the catalyst for this sculpture which I hope reflects the bravery and determination of people to explore under the sea.
N F S
50
Title
Medium
Artist
Octopus
Artist Statement:
Mixed. Wood, Rope, Shells, Sand
Rebecca Cavanagh
Made from reclaimed wood found on the coastline of Port Stephens. Octopus was inspired by these fascinating creatures that inhabit the area. Did you know that an octopus has three hearts, nine brains and blue blood?
Price
$460
Dimensions
53cm x 69 cm
51
Title
Medium
Artist
Whale Season
Artist Statement:
Mixed. Wood, Rope, Shells
Made from reclaimed wood and ropes found on the coastline of Port Stephens, Whale Season celebrates the annual visit from these wondrous creatures and brings awareness of our responsibility to keep our oceans and coastal areas clean.
Rebecca Cavanagh
Dimensions
73 cm x 63 cm
SOLD
52
Price
$450
Title
Medium
Artist
Dimensions
Sammy the Seal
Mixed Media
Bev Bush
60 cm x 78 cm
53
Title
Medium
Artist
Life on the Reef
Mixed Media
Bev Bush
Price
$950
Dimensions
97 cm x 77 cm
54
Title
Medium
Artist
Whale of a Time
Oil on Masonite
Jackie Wilson
Price
$950
Dimensions
98 cm x 82 cm
55
Title
Medium
Tin City
Oil on Masonite
Artist
Jackie Wilson
Price
$950
Dimensions
61 cm x 120 cm
56
Title
Medium
Time and Tides
Acrylic
Artist
Dimensions
Annette Rumble
40 cm x 80 cm
Artist Statement:
Port Stephens is a renowned fishing paradise steeped in history, which is the inspiration for ‘Time and Tides’.
An abundance of fish provided the indigenous people of the port with plenty of food and since early European settlement, the strength of the port's fishing grounds has been recognised by amateur and professional anglers.
‘Time and Tides’ depicts the flow of past to present, with the need for government intervention in order to preserve this important aspect of the port's history. Various materials have been collaged on my artwork to create visual interest.
N F S
57
Title
Medium
Mullet Run
Watercolour
Artist
Dimensions
Molly McCauley
45 cm x 100 cm
Artist Statement:
For this artwork I created a triptych using the medium of watercolour on paper with simple recycled picture frames that move from old fashioned to more modern as the piece progresses through time.
The salient image is of the mullet and the impact upon it from all humans. Illustrated in the artwork is the progression of fishing techniques - ancient through to modern as they become more indiscriminate and less sustainable.
I also wanted to show the fish’s uniqueness and unassuming beauty.
SOLD
58
Title
Medium
Artist
Gymea Lilies
Artist Statement:
Ink on Paper
Karen Wilgar
I created this work from drawings that I had done whilst I was sitting at Gan Gan lookout last year. It is an investigation of my relationship with my natural surrounds and also a commentary of this.
Dimensions
50 cm x 30 cm
N F S
59
Title
Medium
Artist
Dolphin Frenzy
Acrylic
Geoff Belshaw
Price
$490
Dimensions
91 cm x 91 cm
Artist Statement:
A wonderful common sight in the bay, particularly off the bow of the Hawks Nest Ferry.
60
Title
Beacon of Hope Port Stephens
Medium
Oil on Canvas
Artist
Dimensions
Penny Amberg
108 x 30.5 x 3.5
Artist Statement:
Port Stephen Light is a heritage listed, active lighthouse located on Point Stephens, east of Fingal Bay. Operational since 1862, its flashing light of safety at night and during rough storms is a beacon of hope.
It has its own signature light - four white flashes every thirty seconds - which mariners can still use today to plot safe passage.
Every day on my walk to the headland, I check on the lighthouse - a reassuring daily ritual in these strange times.
SOLD
61
Title
Medium
Artist
In a New Light
Acrylic on Canvas
Penny Amberg
Dimensions
31 x 41 x 4
Artist Statement:
Lighthouses have always been architectural/ engineering feats using cutting technology of the time. Port Stephens Light is no exception - designed by the NSW Government Architect in the mid-1800s when the original light source was kerosene lamps, later replaced by electricity and solar power with batteries.
In a pop art style, this piece views the Port Stephens Light in a different way, transcending its ‘heritage’ values, seeing it in a different light.
N F S
62
Price
$290
Title
Port Stephens Attraction
Medium
Acrylic
Artist
Dimensions
Ashleigh Price
16 cm x 20 cm
63
Title
Medium
Artist
Shoal Bay Country Club
Acrylic on Canvas
Nadine Watkins
Price
$175
Dimensions
30 cm x 40 cm
Artist Statement:
When I reflect on the history of Port Stephens my mind happily settles on the SBCC. It was one of the first meeting places in this area.
Fascinatingly the original lodge was only accessible by boat and to see its transformation over the years has been delightful.
My first memories, back in the late 80’s, with the clock tower, the blue marlin mural and the famous promenade room buffets make me terribly nostalgic.
For this exhibition, I captured it in its current form, as no doubt at some point, it too will become part of its history.
64
Title
Medium
Artist
The Blue Marlin
Acrylic on Canvas
Nadine Watkins
Dimensions
18 cm x 14 cm
Artist Statement:
The marlin is iconic to this specific area of Australia as it happens to be one of the few places in the world where they are plentiful.
I remember during the fishing comps of yesteryear, these mighty fish, often likened to the lions of the sea, being strung up at the weigh station at Nelson Bay Marina.
Thankfully these days they’re predominantly catch and release, but as sea temperatures rise these majestic creatures appear to be heading further south.
SOLD
65
Title
Medium
Artist
The Lone Watchman
Acrylic
Lorna Bennett
Dimensions
91 cm x 91 cm
SOLD
66
Title
Medium
A Native Conservatory
Soldering Iron, Pencil, Watercolour Pencil and Acrylic on Paper
Artist
Abbie Barr
Dimensions
42 cm x 39.5 cm
Artist Statement:
I wished to bring the iconic coastlines of Port Stephens to life – they have so much more significance than their panoramic beauty.
The sheltered, protective environment of the bay, like a nursery, fosters native, sustainable growth.
We see this in initiatives for recovering koalas, regeneration of native plants at the Worimi conservation lands, Irukandji shark and ray rescue centre, and National Parks promoting sustainable tourism – their celebration is key to the longevity of the bay’s natural attractions in the future.
N F S
67
Title
Medium
Last Stand
Acrylic on Canvas, Triptych
Artist
Lisa O'Donnell
Price
$600
Dimensions
30 cm x 150 cm
Artist Statement:
Here on the Tomaree Peninsula we live within an incredibly beautiful and amazing ancient forest. It supports a huge and diverse range of flora and fauna.
It filters the water we drink. Many of its trees are hundreds of years old.
This artwork is a celebration of the beautiful trees of this forest and to remind us of our responsibility to look after the precious ones that remain.
68
Title
Medium
Artist
Spinifex in the Sand
Photography
Nicole Kearney
Price
$490
Dimensions
90 cm x 60 cm
69
Title
Medium
Artist
Heads' under Water
Oil on Canvas
Yvonne Wilkinson
Dimensions
51 cm x 40 cm
Artist Statement:
This artwork explores a number of current issues affecting the world environment with a local context. It plays on the human and marine life perspective to highlight the impact on the unique and complex beauty of life in Port Stephens.
It challenges the audience to reflect on which view dominates their behaviours - is their view from above or below the waterline. By bringing a glimpse of the impact behaviours and decisions now are having on marine life and all life in the future, the audience is left to drift in thought to what may await their environment in the future.
SOLD
70
Price
$1,200
Title
Medium
Artist
Where the Flannel Flowers Grow
Oil on Canvas
Sally Reynolds
Dimensions
101 cm x 76 cm
Artist Statement:
During COVID I have been exploring the Tomaree National Park and extending the time I spend painting en plein air within this beautiful area.
On one such walk I came to a secluded glade amongst the angophora and paperbark to see the first of the Flannel Flowers blooming.
I did some quick studies so as not to forget the moment and returned home to capture it in oil.
As an artist I hope to make others more aware of the importance of not harming our natural environment or depleting its resources so as to enable long term ecological balance.
71
Title
Medium
Artist
Birubi Reflection
Artist Statement:
Plastic Bottle Tops on Canvas
Amanda Sutherland
I created this artwork because I love the area and to recognise the Traditional Owners, the Worimi.
Birubi literally means Southern Cross. Over the past 30 years I have removed rubbish from the beach and the dunes, including a large number of bottle tops which I have used to produce this artwork.
My design is loosely based on traditional Indigenous (Aboriginal) dot painting. The headlands and middens are represented in green. I hope you enjoy my artwork as much as I enjoyed creating it!
Dimensions
120 cm x 80 cm
N F S
72
Title
Medium
Artist
One Moment in Time
Artist Statement:
Oil on Canvas
Kay McFarlane Smith
The painting ‘One Moment In Time’ aims to capture a small glimpse of place in the historical context. It is a ‘slice of Heaven’ barely changed since discovery to this point, but fragile and susceptible to degradation.
‘One Moment in Time’ was developed from a number of images taken on a helicopter flight over Port Stephens.
The colour palette is intuitive and quite unlike the original photo which did not capture the vibrance or energy of the day. I have attempted to inject my own feelings into the context, endeavouring to allow time to stand still.
Price
$1,600
Dimensions
100 cm x 75 cm
73
Entry withdrawn.
74
Title
Catalina Crash 1942
Artist Statement:
Medium
Artist
Acrylic
Michael Francis
Dimensions
38 cm x 75 cm
This amphibious aircraft based at Rathmines crashed off Jimmy’s Beach in 1943, killing seven crew members.
I have shown both engines shut down as if it is gliding, hoping to make a perfect practice landing at Jimmy’s Beach.
In the background is Tomaree Head and, opposite it, the steep side of Yacaaba Head. The remains of the plane are rumoured to lie on the ocean floor.
N F S, Donated
75
Title
Medium
Artist
Tomaree 'n Yacaabar Maiden
Artist Statement:
Thought to have been the figurehead of the infamous Privateer ss 'Fecundity'.
David Matheson
Dimensions
35 cm x 20 cm
N F S
76
Title
Medium
Artist
Guardian of Small Treasures
Artist Statement:
Origin Unknown.
Found in the seabed off Nelson Bay.
David Matheson
Dimensions
60 cm x 40 cm
N F S
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